Web Guidelines
Brand Intermedia help clients to choose the right web solution to suit their needs.
Domain Names
Finding a Domain Name is the first step for having 'web presence' and the wording for this is essential as it reflects the company name.
However,
as the
website industry expands Domain Names are becoming increasingly rare in identification, therefore, alternative names may need
to be considered if the original name has already been registered. Many 'tag' ending options are available eg. .com is a global tag used for worldwide recognition and is predominantly American. .uk represents The United Kingdom and is used to identify geographically.
This offers an added advantage to trading as companies like to liaise with each other nationally before moving into international markets.
Other tags include: .eu - European Businesses and Organsiations .org - for Organisations .net - for Networks .me - for Personal sites
Hosting
Site hosting is where the website is stored on the World Wide Web. Certain companies provide servers, which are able to hold website page data and email accounts. By typing a www.address the prospective customer accesses the server where the website is maintained which displays back through a local browser.
Planning
Once the company or organisation has purchased its own identifiable domain name and site hosting facility the next step is to begin planning the website's overall layout and strategy. It is advisable to analyse the website into discrete sections similar to the chapters of a book, remembering that there has to be a beginning and an ending; these are often reflected through the home and contact pages.
A basic site normally consists of at least 3 pages:
- Home Page: An introduction to the company or organisation.
- Product / Service: Information on products and/or services that will be
promoted including features and benefits. - Contact Details: Office Address, Location Map, Telephone, Fax and Email Address
If required these may be split into infinite subsections.
Other optional pages may include:
- Links Page: Hyperlinks to other web sites which could offer further guidance
or information to customers. - Testimonials: Statements from existing customers recommending Products
or Services. - Enquiry Form: Ideal for market research, an on-line form allows customers
to leave their details, ask questions or fill in check boxes about their likes /
dislikes, this is:
Research
It is good practice to carry out research at this stage by looking at other web sites that may influence colour, style and presentation. Assess competitors web sites
in terms of their product and / or service to evaluate how their customers may make an enquiry or purchase.
Collating
Once the sections for the website are agreed, evaluated and implemented, the next major step is to collect all the available information. The sections become 'Main Label Buttons' on the 'Menu' or 'Navigation Bar' as it is often termed. The buttons and sub buttons allow access into the website pages.
Designing
Page Layout needs to be specific and relevant to the information that will appear
on the page, as the site needs to maintain the customer's attention. By incorporating the company logo, using photography to illustrate text and keeping consistent with
the corporate image, colour and style is in-keeping with the marketing strategy
e.g. business cards and letterheads. Consistency is paramount so that customers always know who they are dealing with and recognise the brand.
When designing a site there maybe crossovers from one section or page to another; these phrases are connected using 'Hyperlinks'. When entering linked phrases
it is advisable to highlight the desired hyperlinks so that links into
other pages are obvious.
The content header or title for each section should tie in with the appropriate 'Main Label Button' so that it is easy to find information
within the website.
Integrating Dynamicism
A website does not have to be a static HTML page, other elements may wish
to be considered including:
- Animated Gif's - Small animations used for dynamic visual and text effects
to illustrate a page. - Flash - Website elements are built with customer interaction as a pre-requisite condition. Therefore, Flash elements are simulated televised effects that bring
the `wow' factor or impact to a website. - Databases - Incorporating databases into a site allows controlled security
and access to specific pages whilst the ability to update and make changes. - PHP - PHP coding allows pages to load in the Browser far more quickly than conventional html and does not review its coding to the viewer as it is held
on the Server away from the Browser window, thus offering improved
protection from outside users.
